Buenos Aires & Rio Overland

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

Days 1-2 Buenos Aires
Hola! Welcome to Argentina.

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight at 6pm. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.

Your leader will collect your kitty payment on day 1. Please bring notes/bills in large denominations.

Argentina is a vast country which has a staggering diversity of climates and landscapes. With vibrant cities, the pampas, jungles and windswept Patagonia it is a country with a very special character all of its own. Its initial appearance is fairly western but this disguises a long history of its own cultural heritage. Argentina has known the ups and downs of economic cycles. By the 1920s this was the eighth richest nation on Earth and yet by the late 20th century it was to go through a long and terrible period of dictatorship that has left bitter scars that are yet to be healed. Currently the country is recovering from an economic hammer blow, as recently it has undergone a massive devaluation of its currency. The wealthy middle classes were hit very hard but the devaluation has greatly benefited visitors, as the country has gone from one of the most expensive to one of the cheapest to travel through in South America.

Buenos Aires must be the ultimate cosmopolitan city. With Latin passion, European elegance and a distinctive style all of its own, this is a city that will steal your heart. The Portenos (local residents) are justifiably proud of their city which is comprised of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own style. Visit San Telmo for its weekend antiques market and artists' displays. La Boca was settled by waves of immigrants that built brightly painted buildings. It is also home to the world-class football team Boca Juniors and murals of famous footballers cover the district's walls. Recoleta is the place to browse museums with Buenos Aires' well-to-do. There are many sights in the heart of the city with churches, cathedrals and historic buildings aplenty. When you have finished exploring, settle down at one of the many streetside cafes and prepare yourself for a night of tango at one of the many milongas.

On our full day in Buenos Aires you have free time to tour the Teatro Colon, take in a tango show or a half day city tour or visit Recoleta.

Our accommodation in Buenos Aires is in a hotel.

Days 3-4 San Ignacio Mini
Today we drive for 7 hours (356km) to our campsite north of Concordia.

The following day we have a further 6 hours drive (330km) to San Ignacio de Mini. The Jesuit Mission of San Ignacio de Mini is probably the most impressive ruin in the area. Founded in the late 17th century its fortunes followed the chequered history of it's Jesuit masters until 1817 when it was finally evacuated.

Here we'll explore the ruins and museum before camping at a campsite for the evening.

Days 5-7 Iguazu Falls
Today we have a 5 hour drive (273km) to reach our campsite at Puerto Iguazu.

The following day a short drive (60km, approx 1.5 hours) sees us leave our Puerto Iguazu campsite and reach Foz do Iguacu, crossing the border into Brazil.

Brazil has a totally different feel to it than the other Latin American countries. It positively vibrates, it is dynamic and the whole country has a unique energy. Its ethnic mix is very different from most South American countries with a predominance of Afro American people, especially in the Bahia coastal region. Brazil is a much underrated country in terms of tourism. Our trips explore much of the country, especially the little known regions and National Parks. The country is so vast that by travelling overland we can find places that most tourists do not even know exist.

There is a mile long walk along the edge of the fall beginning at the Three Sisters and ending at the Devil's Throat. Millions of gallons of water pour or cascade down escarpments forming spectacular mist "curtains" and many rainbows. In the surrounding dense tropical jungle there are many varieties of brightly coloured butterflies and birds. If we have time we can take a closer look at these birds in the Foz Tropicana Bird Park. We will visit the falls from both the Argentinean and the Brazilian sides and there are numerous excursions that can be done around the falls. On the Argentinean side you can take 4 wheel drive adventures, boat rides and take a small train followed by a walk through the jungle to the Devil's Throat. On the Brazilian side you can take a scenic helicopter flight over the Falls.

We stay at at a campground Foz do Iguacu. Named after the impressive waterfalls this marks the point where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay share a common border. You can visit Itaipu Dam, a vast concrete edifice spanning the Rio Parana, one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.

Days 8-10 Bonito
We spend today driving for about 8 hours (630km) to a bush camp in the Caarapo or Dourados region.

We travel through vast fields of soya and modern industrial towns. This area is an extension of the Paraguayan Plateau but here the clearings and cultivated areas are much larger. Much woodland remains, often dominated by stands of Araucaria or Parana Pine, the original incentive for the area's important timber industry.

The following day we drive 5 hours (350km) to reach Bonito.

The area around the small town of Bonito really is unique. It's main attractions are its crystal clear rivers, springs and caves. The wildlife of the whole area is abundant with many types of birds, monkeys, alligators, anaconda and over 30 varieties of fish. It is a place of endless activities, with something for everyone; from spectacular walks through mountains and forest, to more adventurous activities such as caving, horse riding, abseiling, white-water rafting or snorkelling. Many of the best attractions are on private land and the area is being very carefully managed in order as to protect its ecological nature. This is eco-tourism as it should be and a visit to the Bonito is one of the highlights of Brazil.

Our two nights in Bonito are spent in a basic hostel.

Days 11-12 Pantanal
We set out from Bonito into the surrounding Pantanal for 2 days of canoeing, wildlife spotting, piranha fishing and hiking. Spending the night in the Pantanal will be an unforgettable experience. We'll be picked up in the morning and drive into the Pantanal by lunch time. We have this afternoon and the next full day here.

We spend 2 days in Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal. The Pantanal is the vast wetlands of Central Brazil which are teeming with birdlife, caiman (or jacare) and rare mammals. There is in fact over 230,000 sq km. of these wetlands and we now embark on a three day trip through this unique area. Here cattle ranchers live side by side to anacondas and jacare. The list of wildlife is staggering, and there is probably no-where else in South America where the visitor has such access to the indigenous species of wildlife. There are over 250 species of birds, including parakeets, macaws, kingfishers, ibis, storks, kites and hawks, hummingbirds and more. The mammalian and reptilian population is no less impressive, with prolific numbers of jacare, anacondas, iguanas, 2 species of anteaters, ocelot, jaguars, cougars, giant river otters and thousands of pamba and march deer. One of the easier animals to spot is the capybara, a giant guinea pig type rodent. They grow up to 60 kg. and live in large herds in the swamps. You may see jacare sunning themselves with their mouths wide open on the edge of the water-ways. These animals are dangerous and care must be taken while visiting this region.

A visit to the Pantanal is really the highlight of a trip, from a ranch base we explore the surrounding area on horseback, from boats and canoes, from farm trucks and on foot. Night fall brings a whole new variety of animals out for us to discover and if that isn't enough there is always a chance to try your hand at piranha fishing! We will ride out on horseback while our guide points out the local flora and fauna and explains how the local ranchers live in this wilderness area. We can also take out canoes and pontoon boats down the waterways and go piranha fishing.

Usually we will see capibaryas, caimans & red birds, but if you lucky you may well see ocelots, foxes, jaguar & anacondas.

Our guides will be on hand to point out the amazing wildlife and explain how people live in the area. We will also organise a lecture about the jaguar project.

These nights we stay at a ranch and explore the surrounding area.

Days 13-14 Bush Camp
After lunch we drive out to the southern tip of Pantanal (approx. 4 hours, 250km)

Next day is a full travel day as we try to get as close as possible to Brotas (approx. 8 hours).

We spend these nights bush camping.

Day 15 Brotas
Today we drive for 9 hours (550km) to Brotas.

Located in southeast Brazil in the state of Sao Paulo, the remoteness of Brotas has meant that the forests surrounding this isolated town are teeming with species crucial to the maintainence of global biodiversity. The perfect location in which to experience untouched natural environments, Brotas has subsequently become an important destination in Brazilian ecotourism. Alongside those visiting to enjoy the remarkable fauna that inhabit this area, Brotas is gradually acquiring a reputation for the quality of the adventure activities that are on offer. From horseriding and canyoning, to rafting and kayaking, Brotas is synoymous with the spirit of adventure that characterises any Dragoman Overland trip.

In Brotas we camp.

Days 16-18 Paraty
Driving 7 hours (240km) we reach Paraty.

The Emerald Coast, or as it is known in Brazil, the Costa Verde is a thin strip of coastal land squeezed between verdant green mountains and the emerald coloured sea. It stretches south of Rio and is enchanting. Dotted along the coast are small communities and hundreds of tiny islands. The coast is full of deserted beaches, picturesque coves and is excellent for swimming and diving. We will visit the town of Parati, a colonial relic set in spectacular coastal scenery. There are numerous secluded beaches in the area and from here we can organise a boat trip out to a small island to go snorkelling or diving.

Our first full day here we take a boat trip out to surrounding islands and beaches. The second day you can go mountain biking, horse riding or take a buggy out. There is also optional scuba diving available.

In Parati for three nights we stay at a camp site.

Day 19 Rio de Janeiro
Travelling to Rio de Janeiro (235km, approx. 4 hours), our adventure comes to an end in the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City).

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Nestling beneath the Sugar Loaf Mountain, "Pao de Azucar", that rises out of Guanabara Bay, and flanked by the sandy beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. There is just so much to see and do in Rio, with something for everyone - You can take the cablecar to the top of the stunning Pao de Azucar, ride the train to Corcovado or take the historic tram to Santa Teresa. There is also the National Park of Tijuca to explore. The Historical, Indian and National Museums are also well worth a visit for those who would like some more culture. For some quiet time in stunning surroundings the Botanical gardens are well worth a visit. There are also interesting markets for jewellery and paintings. The nightlife is exciting, stimulating and almost unbelievably varied. Brazilians have an obsession with the 'body beautiful' and a stroll along any of the beaches will confirm all those stories you've heard! At night, the streets come alive and early in the year often throb to the beat of samba bands practicing for that great annual event - Carnival. The celebration of Mardi Gras 6 weeks before Easter is a great Brazilian tradition - the whole city goes wild for a week. Whatever your tastes, Rio will cater for them.

Please note this trip finishes upon arrival to Rio (around 8pm) and there is no accommodation provided in Rio at the conclusion of this tour. We strongly recommend you stay at least an extra 2 days in Rio. Please contact our sales team if you need any assistance booking post trip accommodation.